In this paper, the authors review extant natural language processing models in the context of undergraduate mechanical engineering education. These models have advanced to a stage where it has become increasingly more difficult to discern computer vs. human-produced material, and as a result, have understandably raised questions about their impact on academic integrity. As part of our review, we perform two sets of tests with OpenAI's natural language processing model (1) using GPT-3 to generate text for a mechanical engineering laboratory report and (2) using Codex to generate code for an automation and control systems laboratory. Our results show that natural language processing is a potentially powerful assistive technology for engineering students. However, it is a technology that must be used with care, given its potential to enable cheating and plagiarism behaviours given how the technology challenges traditional assessment practices and traditional notions of authorship.
Eclipse Scientific’s BeamTool software has supported Full Matrix Capture/Total Focusing Method (FMC/TFM) technique design through the FMC Beamset since version 9.0 (released in 2017). With the release of BeamTool 10.1, however, the FMC Beamset now includes more sophisticated tooling to help users design FMC/TFM based inspection techniques – these include: Sensitivity, Focal Area and Resolution maps which together allow users to quickly assess how similar reflectors will be imaged (amplitude, shape, size) throughout the chosen region of interest. For each of these focal metrics, the absolute minimum and maximum values are provided along with other helpful derived quantities (amplitude fidelity, maximum sensitivity difference) which allows the influence of probe and wedge parameters to be compared directly. This document details what these new focal metrics are as well as how to use them to optimize FMC/TFM based techniques for various common applications. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the principles of FMC/TFM and the BeamTool software.
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